Best way to pack built models

[WillyBilly]

So it may sound like a dumb question, and it kinda is. But We will be moving from New England to the Carolinas with a POD style moving company taking our stuff and storing it for a few months during the process. While I have close to 200 models still boxed, and in totes, the idea of packing my finished ones makes me cringe. Is there a way better than others to pack them safe? Popcorn vs paper/tissue? Individually boxed vs several in one box? I am just not sure the best method to keep them as intact as possible. I know I will be fixing stuff like mirrors, and antennas. I may even cut those items off before packing and keep them with the model they go to. 

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[Rob Hall]

I did the same kind of thing in 2017, using PODs to move from Arizona to Ohio.  I wrapped my built kits individually in tissue or tissue paper in their boxes and put the model boxes in moving boxes, usually 6-8 per box.  Moved about 150 built and 1500 unbuilt, had no damage or issues.   Did the same thing last year for a 25 mile move, but moved myself w/ Penke vans. 

[Motor City]

Besides the methods used by Rob, consider purchasing promotional model car boxes for completed kits and promotional models.

[Rob Hall]

22 minutes ago, Motor City said:

Besides the methods used by Rob, consider purchasing promotional model car boxes for completed kits and promotional models.

Yes, for loose promos and loose buildups that I don’t have the boxes for, I use 500 count card boxes.  Very sturdy.  

Edited July 14, 2024 by Rob Hall

[Mattblack]

If you use polystyrene chips, I'd advise to put the models in sandwich bags first. I had an issue with the chips 'attacking' the tyres on one model when I packed mine away some years ago. Apparently it's a know thing.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Obviously, packing built models for moving is entirely different from packing for shipping.

Shipping built-ups without damage is almost impossible because of the way boxes are thrown around and generally abused during the process.

But if you're going to do the box-handling into and out of your POD, you can make sure they're not slammed around and remain upright.

I pack built-ups in individual small sturdy boxes as Rob recommends, with the model itself in a large ziplock as Barry recommends (to contain any parts that may come loose primarily), then either surrounded by plastic peanuts or bubble wrap depending on the individual model's fragility.

I then pack individual boxes within a larger box to maximize loading and space efficiency, and provide good anti-crush protection.

PAY ATTENTION to how high you stack boxes too, how sturdy they are (to resist crushing from compaction from road-vibration on the trip), and how much weight is on the lowest box in any given stack.

NOTE: Don't let any resin bodies or parts you may have be subjected to any weight or pressure. The only damage to anything last time I moved a large load of models 2000 miles in extreme heat (well over 100F in the truck most of the way) was one resin body I'd packed "too tight" in its box. Expensive and rare body, totally ruined, non-repairable.

Edited July 14, 2024 by Ace-Garageguy
TYPO

[oldcarfan]

I'm long-winded so forgive me. This worked for our last move. I removed the mirrors and anything that stuck out and put those parts in little jewelry zip lock bags. You can get a bunch of these little bags cheap at Hobby Lobby or Amazon. Then I loosely rolled each model in cheap paper towels or tissue paper and then put the small parts with the model in a gallon size zip lock. Ordered those in bulk from Amazon, too. Then I put however many models would fit in shipping boxes with packing peanuts. Once you get settled, unwrap them as soon as possible. I let my models stay wrapped up for a few months. A couple of the models that had been painted with Rustoleum years before kind of stuck to the paper towels a little. Also don't put the models in the packing peanuts without protection. The peanuts will attack the models kind of the way model tires go after bare plastic.

[Bullybeef]

I was the shipper of this lot of built ups, I used semi flexible foam and made a partition between model, this lot made it across country with only a few loose parts. The box was four layers deep. 

[TECHMAN]

In 2021, we moved from East Texas  here to Central Kentucky, 750 miles one way.    Prior to the move, I questioned many different friends "what" they would suggest.....

JAMES2  suggested that I turn the plastic cases that I put my builds in, upside down, use the base as the lid, and use bubble wrap on the models to protect them.   Basically 150+ models packed into ten large Wallyworld cardboard boxes, tossed on my 18ft trailer (tarped) and away we go.  Not one was damaged!!!!!    Would expect that with the right size "individual" cardboard boxes, and using the same bubblewrap method, you can have the same results.  

THANKS GO TO JAMES

DJ